Brad Walter

Several years' experience in banking with skills to manage code's future fund

Is a Welshman and served in the British Army including counter-terrorism unit

Flush with cash from the new broadcast deal, the ARL Commission has appointed departing Lloyds Bank chief executive David Smith as the game's new CEO.

ARLC chairman John Grant has described Smith as a person who "knows business, who knows how to lead".

Smith, who is Welsh and has a background in the financial sector and counter-terrorism, was unveiled at a packed press conference on Friday and will start work at the NRL on February 1 after finishing as CEO of Lloyd's Bank Australia.

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“This is a person who knows business, who knows how to lead, who loves sport, who is culturally suited to our game and who has a very strong sense of community," Grant said.

“We’ve spent a lot of time talking with Dave and I can tell you that we are certain he will do a fantastic job for our game.”

Fairfax Media has been told the ARLC wanted a chief executive with a financial background to manage the new future fund being established from the $1 billion coming into the game from the broadcast and media rights deal.

Grant said Smith currently heads an company spanning 10 countries and employing over 1500 staff.

After moving to Australia nine years ago, he has had responsibility for managing Lloyds International with assets of $A50 billion.

Smith does not have a background in league but played rugby union in Wales.

"I decided 18 months ago to change direction and look for opportunities in sports management and have been waiting for the right opportunity," Smith said.

"This role has everything I could want and I am really looking forward to getting started.

"I have some relevant skills in building and driving business outcomes and I look forward to working with the clubs, the players, the fans and all the stakeholders."

Before his most recent job, he was a director of Bank of Scotland Treasury and a member of the UK Treasury Executive Committee.

He has an engineering background and began his career in London with Morgan Grenfell & Co in 1987.

Smith has subsequently held a number of senior management positions in Deutsche Bank, UBS and HBOS. He has worked for HBOS for 11 years in investment.

The public announcement will be made in conjunction with the draw for first 20 rounds of the 2013 season at media conference at 11am (AEDT).

It will round off a momentous week for the code, with the commission making the controversial decision to outlaw the shoulder charge on Wednesday.

Meantime, Sydney Roosters will hope Sonny Bill Williams has recovered from his shoulder injury in time for their clash with the Bulldogs in round six.

Premiers Melbourne will host Canterbury in a match which will take centre stage in round three when they clash at AAMI Park on Thursday March 21, two weeks after the Roosters host traditional rivals South Sydney at Allianz Stadium to kick off the season.

"We're pleased to be hosting the Bulldogs early. It will be interesting to have rugby league in Victoria on a Thursday night," Storm chief executive Ron Gauci said.

"We're looking forward to it and very excited about the prospect of having the grand-final rematch at AAMI Park that early in the season."

Asked about the prospects of putting up the 'house full' sign, Gauci said: "We would hope so, but again Thursday night is an experiment. We would hope Melburnians would like to come and see that game."

A massive crowd will also be expected for the season-opener on March 7.

Fans and clubs have been sweating on the draw for some weeks, with the 2013 edition to be the first featuring fixed scheduling for the majority of the season.

Ricky Stuart's life as Parramatta coach will kick off with a home encounter against the Warriors in a Saturday night encounter, while Manly will host rivals Newcastle in round two in another 2013 innovation - a Sunday twilight encounter.

Other notable fixtures include Cronulla's Friday night away game against Wests Tigers, when a plethora of Sharks' players will face up to their former teammates, while St George Illawarra's 12-year hoodoo in the nation's capital will go on the line in round three when they take on Canberra.